Here's what you need to know if you want to be a contestant on 'The Bachelor'

• “The Bachelorette” starts casting during “The Bachelor.”• The show asks candidates to submit applications answering questions.• They also need to be eligible to get accepted.• There’s a long list of requirements — keep reading to see them all.

Hey gents, if you’ve ever thought about being a contestant on “The Bachelorette,” now’s the time.

The show starts looking for male candidates annually as “The Bachelor” wears on (sorry, ladies — casting for next season’s female “Bachelor” contestants will ramp up sometime during “The Bachelorette” or “Bachelor in Paradise” later this year).

If you’ve thought about applying, here’s what you need to know.

While there are limited casting calls for the franchise in big cities, the main way to apply is through an application either online or in the mail. There’s a “Guys” version and “Girls” version, but the genders are asked mostly overlapping questions.

You can also send in a tape of yourself answering the questions or get creative and show off your personality. In fact: “Making a video is the best way to show us your personality and ensure that you are seen by the casting team!!!” according to the Bachelor casting website.

There are even more questions in the video portion of the application. Here are some of the prompts from ABC:

Give us a dating history. Have you ever been in love? If no, why not, and if yes, tell us your love story! Or tell us your funny first date story!

Describe your ultimate fantasy date! Do you have a favourite actor/actress?

What would your hometown date be like? Where would we go and who would we meet?

Do you have any special talents? If there is a hobby or activity you like, tell us or show us. For example, if you love to cook, take us into the kitchen and show us what’s for dinner! If you love to work out, show us your routine!

Eligible contestants aren’t running for political office, are US citizens, have a passport, are 21 years old, and are single (“no monogamous dating relationship more than two months in duration” before filming). You also can’t have an STD (you’ll be tested!), a felony or misdemeanour conviction, or any restraining orders against you.

Contestants also cannot be affiliated in any way with the following companies: NZK Productions, Next Entertainment, American Broadcasting Companies, The Walt Disney Company, Telepictures Productions, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Time Warner, the list goes on. Oh, and neither can your family or anyone you may live with.

Are you still eligible? Congratulations! If you sign your contract, you’ll be agreeing to be videotaped 24/7, submit to a psychological examination, allow ABC to release any information they learn about you through third parties, and say you’re exposing yourself to “the risk of death, serious injury, illness, or disease and/or property damage.”